Rudder and Cutlass Bearings Lubrication?

[DrB]

I think I know the answer to this, but just wanted to ask others. Do I need to artiificially lube my cutlass and rudder bearings? Normally they are in the water, so the water should help lubricate, but do I need to squirt some grease or high viscosity oil into them while the boat is on the hard.

DrB

[Faster]

I'd say no... some rudder bushing installations do include grease nipples to reduce some loading friction within the tube and to help seal some split-tube rudder stock guides, but not for the lower bushing.

[brak]

The upper fixture on my rudder post does require lubrication, though the lube mostly acts as a seal to keep the water out (when the tube goes under water on certain angles of heel). I use "marine and trailer bearing grease" - great stuff, also good for winches and pretty much anything else that needse some greasing (but don't try it on those tropical islands customs officials)